Quote:
Originally Posted by 50th
I have a friend that believes that the high command either knew about the impending invasion and were ordered to do nothing, or that Roosevelt pushed the Japanese into attacking Pearl Harbor in order to get us into world war two. What are your thoughts? I think someone knew about the impending invasion, but how much they knew is uncertain. Still others believe that the whole thing was orchestrated by Roosevelt to get us into the war. I don't believe that.
Don't worry, the poll will not display your username, so you can be completely honest.
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There's no question but that Roosevelt provoked Japan with the oil embargo, but what he really wanted was war with Germany There is also a difference between provoking another nation and actually wanting war. Roosevelt knew that public opinion at home would not allow any war without a direct attack or a declaration of war.
I don't believe that intelligence was intentionally withheld from field commanders. I think Churchill was a happy man when he found out the news about Pearl Harbor, and Hitler played right into both their hands four days later with his declaration of war against the US.
Honestly I think Roosevelt would have been happier to fight Germany first and then deal with Japan if necessary. Losing all of those warships at Pearl Harbor was a huge blow to war efforts in both oceans, and would have been prevented if possible.
As for the "invasion", which invasion do you mean? The invasion of the Philippines? Or are you still referring to the aerial assault on Pearl Harbor? If the former, any military strategist would know that the Philippines were a likely next target given their location. What Japan needed was oil from Indonesia and control of Malaysian rubber (both also likely targets). In order to safely ship it back home she needed to control the sea lanes, and for that she needed the Philippines as well.